Inhaled Corticosteroids and Bone Density in Chemical Warfare Patients with Pulmonary Complications

Background: The most effective treatment in chemical warfare victims (CWV) suffering from severe long-term obstructive pulmonary disease is inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long acting beta-2 agonists. Study results on adverse effects of ICS on bone were conflicting. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of ICS on bone mineral density (BMD) of CWV and possible effects of chemical warfare agents on BMD. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five CWVs entered this study. Demographic and spirometric data (including staging of severity of lung disease) and BMD results as shown by z-score and t- score measured in lumbar and femoral regions were evaluated in this group of patients. In comparison, 75 normal subjects as controls were included in this study and their BMD results were compared with those of the case group. Results: The mean age in CWVs was 41.40 ± 7.74 years, which showed no significant difference with that of the control group. According to spirometric data, CWVs had obstructive lung disease. BMD in lumbar and femoral regions in the case group was 1.14 ± 0.14 and 0.93 ± 0.13 g/cm 2 respectively, which showed no significant difference with that of the control group. Regression analysis showed that BMD in the femoral region was correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) and t-score in lumbar region was correlated with FEV1. BMD in the femoral region decreased as the severity of bronchial obstruction increased (0.99 ± 1.07 g/cm 2 in mild form to 0.75 ±0.27 in severe form; F= 3.91, P=0.03) but in the lumbar region BMD had no significant correlation with severity of bronchial obstruction. Conclusion: BMD did not decrease during long-term therapy with ICS in CWVs. Severity of bronchial obstruction can be an important risk factor. (Tanaffos 2007; 6(4): 25-30)